isosorbide mononitrate, Imdur, Ismo, Monoket

Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Dr. Balentine received his undergraduate degree from McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland. He attended medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine graduating in1983. He completed his internship at St. Joseph's Hospital in Philadelphia and his Emergency Medicine residency at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in the Bronx, where he served as chief resident.

GENERIC NAME: isosorbide mononitrate

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Isosorbide mononitrate is in the
class of drugs called nitrates that are used for treating and preventing
angina.
Other nitrates include
nitroglycerin
(Nitrostat, NitroQuick, Nitrolingual, Nitro-Dur and others) and
isosorbide
dinitrate (Isordil Titradose, Dilatrate-SR, Isochron). Nitrates are
vasodilators (dilators of blood vessels). Blood returning from the body in the
veins must be pumped by the heart through the lungs and into the body's arteries
against the high pressure in the arteries. In order to accomplish this work, the
heart's muscle must produce and use energy ("fuel") which requires oxygen
brought to the heart by the blood. The FDA approved isosorbide mononitrate in
December 1991.

Angina pectoris (angina) or "heart pain" is due to an inadequate flow of
blood (and oxygen) to the muscle of the heart. Nitrates, including isosorbide
mononitrate, correct the imbalance between the flow of blood and oxygen to the
heart and the work that the heart must do by dilating the arteries and veins in
the body. Dilation of the veins reduces the amount of blood that returns to the
heart that must be pumped. Dilation of the arteries lowers the pressure in the
arteries against which the heart must pump. As a consequence of both effects,
the heart works less and requires less blood and oxygen.